Residential housing developer Xpercity has announced plans to develop 69 new homes close to Manchester Piccadilly train station, following the acquisition of 0.25 acres of land on Store Street next to the city’s canal basin.

The development will be completed by the firm’s sister company, Big Red Construction, and is set to be ready for occupation in quarter one of 2026. Big Red and Xpercity are working with stakeholders to take advantage of innovative construction methods on a highly technical site.

The build-to-rent development benefits from full, detailed planning permission for 69 residential units, which will include 66 one and two bed apartments, and three townhouses.

The site in central Manchester will be called Outram, due to its location next to Britain’s oldest aqueduct and in recognition of the engineer who built the Grade Two listed structure, Benjamin Outram.

Outram sits within the east neighbourhood of the Manchester Piccadilly East Regeneration Framework (SRF) and benefits from having access from Store Street, with the potential for pedestrian access from the Ashton Canal towpath.

Due to the site being near other popular areas in the city centre, including New Islington, Ancoats, and the Northern Quarter, residents will have immediate access to a variety of amenities, including access to retail, leisure, office and transport facilities

Mike Lomas, founder of the BR2.0 Group which includes both Xpercity and Big Red Construction, said: “Renting shouldn’t be a headache for people. Xpercity aims to create a more enjoyable way of living and our latest site on Store Street will do just that.

“We’re seeing a continued strong demand for build to rent in Manchester, and we’re delighted to be able to offer quality living to those wanting to have the benefits of being close to the city centre.”

Elsewhere in the north of England, Xpercity is currently redeveloping a 106-unit site in Cheadle, following a successful £13.8m loan from Zorin Finance.  The BR2.0 Group’s vertically integrated offer allows the business to act with speed when progressing developments from initial planning stages, through to completion.